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Comments 82
My horse doesnt get excited enough to go around the barrels but she gets excited and kicks up on the home stretch. Waht should I do about that?
You need to work on pushing her. She obviously is testing you, or is a very stubborn horse. On the home stretch, keep the horse’s head up so it doesnt kick. With the excited part, you need to keep her in control. Dont let her go, teach her you’re the boss.
keeping a consistent distance from the barrel
my horse is droping her shoulder and japing real hard at the first barre how can i fix that> and what is a good bit to use to hep her lift ?
try setting three cones up about 2 feet away from the barrel and stay on the outside of the cones.I do that too mine and it works.A good bit is just the regualer snaffle bit.
my horse did this too i changed to a square port bit it helped alot and when you are going to your barrel run past it training and make him or her listen and learn that they dont turn till you cue them also as you are going to the barrel when your leg gets past it kick him or her with your outside letg it should help:)
Hi Casey,
I saw your post on the facebook page and left you some questions back: (Before we make any suggestions, I have some questions. Do you have any video you could post? What type of bit do you use now? Does she do this at every barrel? How long has she been doing it for? How long has she been barrel racing? How old is she?) These will help answer your question. In the meantime check out the video on body positioning by Dena Kirkpatrick I just posted. It will be a big part of the retraining process for you. Horse that drop are starting their turn too soon.
I have a 9 yr old gelding that i wanna start training on barrels.. How should I start?? I wanna get him goin good enough to take to some gymkhanas and jackpots. But I dont want to get him sour from training soo much???
He’s well broke and can do anything and has the speed.
Author
I would start by going to a barrel racing clinic or workshop. Even better, find an accomplished barrel horse trainer in your area and take lessons. Take it slow and build his confidence, do other things in between too. You are off to a good start if he is well broke. Have patience and don’t rush too much, it will pay off in the end.
well what i do is train alot on the pattern at least an hour everyday then maybe go on a trail ride or wash him down make him feel good and he wont get sour i know tho that of my experience mine got sour so i took her off the barrel pattern and started texas barrels
Ive recently started doing barrel racing (for fun) with my TB, I dont know much about it and was hoping someone could help.
Im an english rider hoping to go over to western when I can get a saddle, at the moment im using a wintec 500
-What do you do with your legs at the turns (inside leg back or forward)
Thanks!
Author
Hi Lee, great question. Some riders actually don’t use a lot of leg in the turn since it is difficult to be precise at speed. Others including myself do train with leg. Since your horse will be used to contact, he should take to it easy. You want your horse in an arc or a C shape to make the turn (in other words bent/broken in the ribs). To achieve this you would use your inside leg to get bend through the rib cage (forward near the girth). Your outside leg is there to make sure your horses hip stays engaged/hip in. You will want it on a little further back (where a back cinch/girth would be). On your way out when you want your horse to straighten and leave the barrel you would take your inside leg off (don’t want bend now) and leave your outside leg on just long enough to straighten out and finish the turn leaving in a straight line.
I have just started barrel racing on my 20yr arabian/appaloosa and I was wondering how you teach a horse to rate,gallop and swich leads around the barrel
Author
Hi Danae,
Most of what you are asking can be done away from the pattern. Some trainers don’t teach their horses to switch leads before going to the pattern, they feel they will switch naturally when you add speed. Others will teach a horse the commands to a lead change before going to the barrels and use those commands when leaving the first barrel where you want the lead change. Personal preference I guess. Rate is speed control so you can practice that away from the pattern through gait transitions and speed control and changes. Be sure to start slow (trotting) getting a correct pattern with a confident horse. You don’t want to go too fast because that can be hard to keep up with staying correct. It could end up confusing the horse if you go too fast.
Hi,
I’m 32 yrs old and have been training and riding horses off and on since I was 15. Anyway my life has just settled down enough that I have the time to do something with my horses. I have a 3 year old I just started last fall and a 2 year old that I’m starting this summer for my daughter (who has her own horse right now) and 2 yearling well bred AQHA’s (been waiting years for something like them). Anyway I want to do something and barrels and gymkhana (spell?) is where I’d like to start. However where do I start? I love to train, but I’m out on a ranch 50 miles from town; so getting to a trainer or arena is hard. We have an arena and the barrels but where do I go to find info on training gaming horses? or am I to old to start something like this? Please help I really would like to have some fun and compete now. Plus my 8 year wants to as well. I’m hoping her 4-H leaders are educated about this subject and will help us.
Thank you for your time and comments!!!
Author
You are never too old to start barrel racing! We reference many good sites for info on this website. Check out the post with info from Martha Josey. If you go to her website she has lots of tips. Sharon Camarillo has a great new book and she also has lots of great advice on her website. Good barrel racing is based on solid horsemanship – soft hands and a relaxed and quiet seat. I like to start my horses making sure they can lope a perfect circle at all gates and in perfect form before we head to the pattern. I’ll even set up markers (tires, cones etc.) and do different drills all based on the perfect circle. I tell my students if you can’t turn a perfect circle without a barrel you are going to have a hard time doing it once you are on the barrels. Take it slow, build up to speed and listen to your horse. You want to build his confidence through training not frazzle him through barrel racing (and other speed events) too fast too soon.
Author
Please register in the tips help forum area. All questions will now be handled from there. Click the “help forum” link above in the menu bar.
Thank you – Michelle
My horse doesn’t get on her hind end when she is going around the barrels….then she doesn’t run to the second barrel. She does to all the other ones….but not to the second one..can any one of you guys please give me some tips on helping me and my horse.
Author
Hi Kendal, we’d be happy to help you. We have a new help forum that we would like you to post in rather than here. There is a link above.
Thanks so much, talk to you soon.
Michelle
Author
You can strengthen your horses hip by doing drills that encourage him to use her hip. Perfect circles, going around an object collected with the hip in and under herself. Make sure she works up under herself off the pattern too.
As far as running between the barrels, it sounds like maybe she is rating before she gets to her point. At slow speeds make sure you are riding her up in there deep. You can stop her when your leg is up past the barrel teaching her to use her hind end and to run to that point. Second is typically the barrel horses will rate really hard.
My horse gets all excited when she sees the barrels and she does them very well I think my time was 12. something would she be a good barrel horse?
If so please comment!!
Author
Its hard to say without seeing the size of the pattern and the run you had.
The only pattern we can really compare times to is a standard barrel racing pattern. Even with the same measurements the times can change so much from place to place with the ground being different speeds.
me again I do ok on barrels but, would my horse keep her head up in the air when she’s doin cloverleaf patter, straight barrels, and pole bending we have the softest bit we can get but she is also a pink mouth her breed is a colorado ranger w/ appaloosa blood …..any way the lilttlest bit of pressure makes her through her head high……the only thing we can think of is it is causing her pain she won’t even back without throughing her head?
Author
Have you had her teeth done? I’d start there. Then I would do ground work with her making sure she can back and turn on the ground properly in just a halter, then ask gently with the bit after she is soft in the halter.
Check her mouth, she may have sores. As well as she may need her teeth done. With the head up, you can use a tie-down . It goes around the nose, and behind the ears. and connects through the breastcoller to underneith .
i have a 2 year old colt, what should i do to get him started on barrels
Author
Take your time with him and get him really broke and used to new places.
I also have a two year old stallion to get started on the barrels get the charymanne james barrel racing book it has all the sessions 1 thru 10.i use it myself
On foot, walk him around the barrels. Get him use to the feeling. Then get on and walk and stop and back up at the point you should be turning. Do this with each barrel. Start off slow, then gradually gain speed.
hey,
I just got a horse last year and im learning faster then i thought i would.
I have my mind set on barrel racing,and have joined a couple round-up clubs,
and im trying to make it to as many playdays as i can.
I was just wondering if theres anything that i need to be sure to go over or any surtain steps i need to cover?
Author
Make sure your horse is soft, responsive and really broke. You want to always make sure he is having fun and confident on the pattern.
I purchased a horse that runs with a loomis gag. i have never used one. What is the proper hand positioning for this bit to work…..I am struggling to tighten my barrels.
Author
Here’s a link to an article you need to read “Understanding the Loomis Gag”
http://www.barrelhorsenews.com/training/training-articles/3262-understanding-the-loomis-gag
Hi does the 70 barrel racing drills that you get e-mailed to you cost anything. Because it said for me to go check my mail and manage my subscription??
Author
The 70 barrel racing drills is an e book that is coming soon. With your email subscription you will be notified of the new free barrel racing tips that will be posted here on the site. We are also working on a special report from Sharon Camarillo and Kristen Weaver Brown that I will email to you directly once its available.
In a segment of Dena Kirkpatrick, she said it was worth having different bits for warming up and for running. I run in a pretzel, what complements that bit? I ride in it all the time. My horse seems to love it. We had a rough few seasons then when things started coming together we started running wayyyy past the first barrel. I tried the ed wright pretzel and what a difference. Things are looking up for us!! But then i have heard mixed things about the bit. I would love some advise!!!
Author
It it works, keep going with it! Sounds like the pretzel is the ticket for you. As far as a different bit I would look for a bit that works on your horses weaknesses. If he is stiff go for a bit that works on bending during your warm up (gag etc.). If he is too bending, keep him straight in a solid mouthpiece bit during your warm up.
Jami, I also run my horse in a Ed Wright Pretzel bit when I compete.{I love it I had the same problem with my horse running my the first never had a great stop on him but it’s just enough to make him listen. Durning my practice times I like to use the bit called a Half Twisted Wonder Bit and I also use a brain chain. It’s not harsh but lets them move out easy also. Theat bit I think works great small enough to get there face and make them listen great also. If you still need more help let me know.
I have a horse that hasen’t ran in about six m0nths and she is now 6 years old.I have took her to 2 barrel races since I got her back in shape and she didn’t do so bad for her time back.But what kind of exercises can you do to get her to rate better at the first barrel?
Author
You could stop her at your rate point and make sure her hip is in (towards the barrel). Do this at a walk, trot, lope until she is anticipating your sit. Stay soft with your hands. You could also circle the barrel a couple times (at a walk, trot, lope….not at a run) to get her to “lock on” to the turn. Remember to prepare her for it, not just expect her to turn it. She may need more help at it than the others. You are her “coach” so help her.
Do some figure eights. Do circles.
howdy,
i am trying to teach my 3 yearold sorrel quarter to barrel. is this age too late to start training? if not how do i start him with the barrels. i walked him through the pattern once at a fun show. i am really wanting to train him. please comment back with help. it is my dream to barrel my horse Slim Jim.
-SorrelLove
no your horse is a good age to start. look for a trainer in your area that is willing to work and give you tips. you will want some one that can watch you to help. i trained my own barrel horses and it was easest to have a helper when i need it.
Your sorrel is at a great age to start. I’d start by doing figure 8s, and circles. Get him turning good. Then take him through the pattern at a walk. Every horse turns around the barrel at a different spot because of thier size. Because of this you need to find your horse’s pocket. A pocket is the space between the barrel and your horse. Your pocket should, be a little wide then his nose should almost touch the barrel when you come around. Once you find your pocket, get him to learn to explode from that barrel to the next. Start slow and get faster as he learns what you want. make sure he does it right, so you do not have minor screw ups. Those cost you time.
hey i am kinda new to barrel racing but i have did it since i was 5 years old and now i am 10 years old and i love it 5 years ago i would have never thought that i would be where i am today a little about my life is that i sing in shows and i race in the nationals cant belaive i made it this far need some tips cause i have some
Hello, I’m 14 and just started Barrel Racing at a local youth rodeo assocation. Any tips for next year?
Author
Practice makes perfect! Have fun and keep an eye on this site for new tips.
my horse will not rate herself before going to the first barrel i mean i trie so hard , i sit back ,grab saddle horn, pull her back before i get there, i have yelled whoa at her that seemed to help a little better….but it is usually just that first barrel… can you give me some advice???? please!
HI
I have a young mare that i have started running at rodeos, she has a really nice first and third drum but on her second she tends to fade out when she is coming out, i have slowed her down in the practice pen and put more rate on that drum for her but she is still feeling a little lost on where she wants to leave her drum, i run her in a grasshopper bit of C-James with a tie down, is there a drill that i could do with her, keeping in mind she does get a little hot so i dont like to over it things on her
cheers Nicole
hi i have a gelding im starting him with barrels and i already have him in the shows and stuff and hes doing really well but he still needs help on taking off faster and getting his speed up, he is a thoroughbred and is getting better and better but i was just wondering on any tips on this,
Author
I would practice this away from the barrel. Get him sharp to your cues for taking off. Being a TB he won’t likely have the same power take off muscles you might see in a QH so you will want to strengthen what he does have.
My horse loves to run, but ususally when I turn him around the first or second barrel, he starts trotting and going sideways. How can I fix this?
Author
Time to slow down and build the speed back up. Maybe he can’t handle the run and the turning at the same time yet?
work in large circles at the lope. when your horse can lope 20 and 10 foot circles with out breaking gate then put a barrel in the center and do the same thing. start large, dont worrie about pockets just lope around it. when your horse getts better slowly work down to smaller circles. hope this is helpful!
well if you are wanting to get him to the left kick with your right leg and if your wanting to go right kick with your left leg he will move over and run a straight line from my experience
my seasoned barrel horse has suddenly started to pass the first barrel and only does it in his fast work. i check him but he seams to ignore it, every other barrel is fine. are there anything anyone does that can help fix this?
Author
I would go to the vet first and get any hidden soundness issues ruled out first. Being seasoned, their is something that caused him to start this.
Have a mare I have taken to a handful of races. She is starting to get faster and faster I am having a hard time to get to her to complet the second barrel, so she his lined up on going to third. Any tips or exercise to help her.
Thank u
I am looking for a cheap barrel trainer!!! i dont know how to train myself i have been kinda working on sharp turns but i dont know all the techniques on barrel racing so please email me at vthorsegirl1@gmail.com this is my email for anyone to email on information about anything so dont worry its ok.. thanks soo much!!
Author
Where are you located?
I have a horse he’s a little over a year old I am aware that he’s not old enough to be rode yet but I have a friend who wants to start barrel racing with me she’s scared a little but that I plan on fixing. But back to the horse I need him broke he’s pretty good about letting me catch him and walk him around but if i even bring a blanket near him he freaks out. How do I fix this?
Also I have a thoroughbred grandson of Seattle slue who is 5 now and my parents didn’t want me around him cause he got stupid after a year or two. He’s more calm around me but around anyone else he flips out. But he won’t let me put a halter on him or nothing he rares up at me and everything else!
I need to fix both of those problems before I can event think about training them for barrel racing. Help me please?
Author
This is more of just a horse training question than a barrel racing training question so I don’t feel this is my area of expertise. I would check out Clinton Andersons videos and website or maybe some other horse training websites online.
My horsee is in great shape, likes his job, and I am running in the 2d mostly off of a standard pattern. My videos are showing that he could be a little more snappy in his turn and run a little harder between. I am going to breeze him some to see if that helps him with speed in between. Are there any drills that will help speed up his turns with out running him to death.
Author
There is a drill on our drills site (www.barrelracingdrills.com) Four Corners Inside – where you set up barrels in a square and approach and turn them from the inside. You can do it at a high speed and it really make them snap.
Hi im 14 and ive done alot with horses trained a few and do horse bodywork
I love to barrel race ive trained almost all my hoses around the barrels but my new appalossa he 7 and he has speed but hes stubborn and holds his head high should i try a tie down?He stops as soon as we start to go around to second barrel and wont move ive tryed a whip but he just gets mad.
Author
You could try a tie down, but it would be better to get him responding and backing off the bit first. I might also take this horse to the vet for a physical exam to see if something is bothering him. Maybe saddle fit? Maybe soundness is causing him to act out. I would try lots of circles around a tire or pylon in the direction of the second barrel to get him moving freely. If he can do it around an object he should be able to do it around the barrel. Be aware of your riding and the messages you might be sending and not be aware of.
My horse has just now started barrel racing, I was wanting to know if anyone has some good tips for me and horse to pratice for barrel racing?
Author
Take it slow, show him correctly and listen to him. He will tell you if he is bored, confused, frustrated etc. You might also check out http://www.barrelracingdrills.com its a great resource for training, maintaining and fixing barrel horses.
My horse has troubles doing right turns. It doesn’t matter whether I’m practicing barrels or poles or just riding around in the pasture she just refuses to do them! She turns left perfectly, but when it comes to those right turns her neck stiffens and she fights it. Can you please help?!
Author
I would go to a vet or horse chiropractor for an evaluation.
My horse has been barrel racing since she was 8 years old shes now 14. She will no longer go in the shoot and if I do get her in there she won’t run, she will NOT move for anything! I’ve tried taking her off of barrel racing for 3 years and now that I want to get back into it she still won’t run. Can you help me?
Author
There are some videos on this site and an article about alley way problems. I would always start with a trip to the vet. Perhaps there is a soundness issue that is preventing her from enjoying barrel racing.
So I have a 7 yr old mare that I have had for 2 yrs and she has some problems. I barrel race her. She loves barrel racining but she gets nervous when it comes down to going to the shows. She will run perfect runs at home. When we go to shows she rears up everytime she goes around the right barrel which is our 2nd barrel she runs to the left first. But once she goes around the 2nd barrel she is fine and she is fine going around the first. Do I change her bit, I have slowed her down and really worked on that barrel for a whole yr and half she is starting to do better but still does it once in awhile.
Author
I would go to a horse vet first to rule out soundness issues first. The slightest thing could be bothering her and it shows up with the extra pressure of competition. I would also consider your nerves… are they different than at home?
I have a 10 year old paint and he is now trotting the barrels but he will come in tight but leave the 1st barrel very wide but he does great on the 2nd and 3rd barrel. He also will buck and fight me when I try and ride him outside a ring. Can anybody help me? thanks
Author
I would try and get some help from a professional in your area. Someone that can be there to see what is going on outside the arena when he is misbehaving. Regarding first barrel, I would try different approaches at a trot and see if you can get him to wrap it and leave tight. One common mistake is that people don’t go far enough past or deep enough past the barrel before they turn back to leave. I would also watch your video in slow motion if you have any.
I truly appreciate this blog article.Much thanks again. Keep writing.
My horse likes to stiffen up going around the barrel, and I was wondering if you could give me some drills to help him loosen up going around.
Author
I just posted one called Circle Tires you will really like. http://www.freebarrelracingtips.com/circle-tires-for-smoother-runs-and-faster-times You might also check out http://www.barrelracingdrills.com
Hello, i have a 7 year old morgan whom i just started on barrels aprox. in august… we have been able to lope the whole barrel pattern nicely. But just recently out of the blue he doesn’t want to lope around the barrel and trots it. I have checked for health issues and he is fine. I have been being very consistent with him just can’t figure out what seems to be the problem?
Also, what are your ideas on a hack/gag bit… i am currently using a snaffle. and thinking maybe i need to use more than one different kind of bit? your advice will be greatly appreciated!
It’s my barrel horse’s, Hoss, first year. We have done really good all ready. I’m 14 1/2. I’ve been the one to train him to do barrels, our fastest time has been a 15.5; in a big arena. We were clicking that night. Our times after that have been 16.1s and 15. 9 in that same arena. The other times when we were a little slower were when we were clicking, but had some minor mess ups. I know he is faster, but how do I work on being faster. Without burning him out on the barrels? Like besides running figur 8 over and over. Also without running tons of circles, and just running the patteren over and over. Could you give me some advice to get better? Thank you, Rachel.
Author
Hi Rachel,
Both you and your horse can get on the same page by working a perfect pattern at a slower speed. It may seem slow, but this perfect practice really does pay off when you go quicker (in competition). It will build his confidence. You can even imagine in your head you are going fast and practice positioning yourself for going fast. Sometimes we have to slow down to get fast 🙂